Dedicated to all my friends in the SNK FB group. Thank you to those who inspired and encouraged me to start writing this AU universe. Love Evening Falls.

The eleventh hour struck as the great 'Maria' glided across the warm waters of the Southern sea, a dark menacing shadow across the inky water gently lit by the full moon's radiant glow. Below the ship's decks, men slumbered, dreaming of their triumphs and previous pillages. However, above the deck was silent and deserted save one man standing proudly at the helm of his ship. This man was no other but Captain Levi, notorious pirate of the Southern waters.

Captain Levi Rivaille inhaled the fresh salty tang of sea air and smiled contently, rubbing his thumbs against the smooth oaken helm. Just by looking at him, you could tell he was the epitome of a Captain of a notorious band of pirates. Although not very tall, his imposing stance had made up for it. Donned in a brilliant red coat, trimmed with black and gold cord and shirt clean but undone, revealing the well sculpted chest and defined collar bone; evidence of years of swordsmanship. A dark green sash and black leather belt held in place two well polished and decorated rapiers. The slim fitting dark pants and welted leather booths accentuated his slender frame. Upon his head, a black leather hat trimmed in white and gold with two white feathers protruding from the left side. Nothing adorned his body apart from the two gold earrings in his left ear lobe and a thick gold chain that hung low around his neck.

However, it was not his attire that made Levi Rivaille Captain nor the most fearsome and wanted man that ever sailed the South seas, it was his look of ambition, his eyes black and cold as the sea he sailed on. His face always seemed to be cast by an unknown shadow. Like a mark, it warned a person of this man's merciless nature. The man had no compassion, no moral conscience or scruples. Those words were incomprehensible to him. His devilish nature had caused the pain and deaths of so many innocent people. This made him the most feared man throughout the South and even to the northern borders.

The Captain's grin widened gazing into the Southern feeling a satisfaction greater than any other man had experienced. Yes, the seas were his realm… no his kingdom and his ship his castle. He himself was king. Unlike any other king, he was not bound to duty and the welfare of his people. Levi was a man free of the world's burdens. He could do what he wanted, including wreaking havoc across any town or village he came across. He enjoyed it. As for the commodores who sought to condemn him to death, did not care. He loved the chase and he loved being chased. That was how he lived. This man was an unstoppable wretch… and he knew it and he cherished it. He was Captain Levi.

This is just the beginning. Oh Yes. Just the beginning.